BFG Mud-Terrain 255/75r17 vs. BFG KO2 All-Terrain 34x10.5r17 Comparison

[Dan Grec]

Hi All,

I spent a lot of time thinking about and researching wheel and tire choice for my upcoming Africa trip.

When BFG came out with the KO2 All-Terrain in 34x10.5r17 I was extremely interested.
I've always figured a slightly taller, but still skinny tire makes the most sense for long-term overland travel.

I've always wanted to see a comparison of these tires vs. the stock Rubicon Mud Terrains in 255/75r17, so I took some measurements and pictures.



When mounted to a wheel my tape measure has them within 1/2" of the same width, depending on how you measure sidewall bulge.
The 34 is right around 1.5" or 1.75" taller overall (though the Mud Terrains were quite worn)
Technically the 34 is a little heavier, but it's massively quieter and smoother, and it has a much higher weight rating.



I wrote an article with more details at: http://jpfreek.com/2016/04/07/tire-selection-bfg-ko2-all-terrain/

Let me know if you have any questions, I'd be happy to post more details or photos if I have them.

-Dan

 

[tarditi]

Good write up. I've never seen those rims before - are they same offset as OEM JK rims?

 

[Dan Grec]

Good write up. I've never seen those rims before - are they same offset as OEM JK rims?

I did my best to measure them, and from what I could see, they actually have a tiny bit (less than 1/2") more offset than my OEM Rubicon rims.
So in theory, you can run ever so slightly wider tires (which I am)

It's known you can't run 12.5" tires on these rims without spacers, which plenty of people do.

-Dan

 

[sabconsulting]

I have BFG Mud Terrains on my Jeep, which spends it time on mud, and I am very pleased with them, even on the road. But significantly I run AT KOs on my truck camper. They aren't as good on mud, but on highways at high temperature, corrugated dirt tracks and despite those nasty sharp black volcanic looking rocks attacking their sidewalls on the edge of the Sahara I had no problems. I wasn't doing the mileage you plan, but on the various shorter trips < 4000 miles each over 5 years I have been pleased with my tyre choice.

One important thing your article identifies is the difference in load rating between the two tyres. Quite a major difference there.

Good luck on your Africa trip.

Steve.

 

[toddz69]

Nice article! I plan to run these tires on my Bronco when the current Toyos wear out.

Todd Z.

 

[SSF556]

Dan is the difference worth the price? Those 34s are pricey. Cooper has the ST Maxx in the 255/80/17 E for around $180 a tire. It is listed as a 32.8" tire but I have heard that people are measuring them over 33". Load capacity on the ST Maxx = 3195 lbs. Weight = 51lbs

https://www.treaddepot.com/#!productDetail/tireStandardFitment/90000019974

 

[Dan Grec]

Cooper has the ST Maxx in the 255/80/17 E for around $180 a tire. It is listed as a 32.8" tire but I have heard that people are measuring them over 33". Load capacity on the ST Maxx = 3195 lbs. Weight = 51lbs

I did a lot of reading and research into the ST Maxx.
They sure look like a good tire, though I don't feel like they've been around long enough, or put to the test in the same way BFG KOs have been.

For me the decision came down to relative newcomer Vs. tried and tested.

-Dan

 

[2004 lb7]

I have the KO2 in 34 10.50 on our Unlimited. The reason I went with the KO2 is the Mountain Snowflake symbol. My wife flipped our Suburban with AT3s in the snow last year. After plowing in the Blizzard this year with AT3s on my Tundra I won't use Coopers in the snow again.

 

[torqluvas]

Great infos, thank you.

 

[(none)]

Can you show the measured height of them on the jeep? curious as the article states a 33.5" height and my 35s are around that height while mounted on the Jeep and the crowd always says BFGs run on the small side.

 

[Dan Grec]

Can you show the measured height of them on the jeep? curious as the article states a 33.5" height and my 35s are around that height while mounted on the Jeep and the crowd always says BFGs run on the small side.

My JKUR is heavy, I have not weighed it yet, but likely 5500-6000lbs I think.
I'm running 36 psi in the tires.
It was hard to hold the tape and the camera, the tires are 32" or maybe 32.25" at the highest point.



And with the AEV 2.5" lift, all four stock fender flares are ********** on 37":



Let me know if there is anything else you want.

Height wise these are absolutely perfect for me, I am very, very happy with them now I've put a thousand miles on them.

-Dan

 

[(none)]

That's perfect. Thanks. i have been curious how tall they actually sit. They look great and sit about the height i figured they would

 

[karlmagnum]

Nice write up. Had the Mud Terrain's on my jeep and had no complaints. Very reliable off the road and relatively quiet on pavement.

 

[Dan Grec]

...Relatively quiet on pavement.

I thought the same of the Mud Terrains until I drove out with the All Terrains. It's a huge difference in noise.

-Dan